-say crime down by 16%

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded a 16 percent decrease in serious crimes at the end of November 2016, a release on Tuesday noted. According to the force, the continuous monthly reduction in serious crimes is testimony to the excellent collaboration among the many stakeholders and the public at large, coupled with the strategies employed by the force.

According to the statistics provided by the force, there was a break-even in reports of murder, with a clear up rate of 64 percent; a 6 percent decrease in robbery under arms where firearms were used with a 15 percent clear up rate; a 17 percent decrease in armed robberies where other instruments were used by the perpetrators with a clear rate of 23 percent.

It was also revealed that there has been a 25 percent decrease in robbery with violence with a 27 percent clear up rate; a 9 percent decrease in robbery with aggravation with a 32 percent clear up rate; a 14 percent decrease in robberies where no instruments were used with a 8 percent clear up rate along with a 32 percent decrease in larceny from the person with a 24 percent clear up rate.

Additionally, there was a 21 percent decrease in rape with a 31 percent clear up rate; a 20 percent decrease in break and enter and larceny with a 20 percent clear up rate and a 12 percent decrease in burglary with a 18 percent clear up rate.

The statistics also revealed that ninety-six unlicensed firearms were taken off the streets by the police for the reporting month. These include 42 pistols, 28 revolvers, 24 shotguns and two rifles. In November, Head of State, David Granger had dismissed concerns about the spate of criminal activities, noting that the situation is being exaggerated and Guyanese will have a “safe and comfortable Christmas.”

The President pointed to mounted patrols in Black Bush Polder and in the Rupununi with the hope of reducing violent crimes. He also spoke to the increase in policemen on the ground, a move which began on November 15, 2016 and will run until January 15, 2017. During the Christmas season, more ranks of the Force are placed on the streets, given the hive of activities that take place.
Government had said that the Guyana Police Force and the Joint Services will continue to “scale up security activities in targeted areas to ensure the security of residents and visitors across Guyana as the country enters the holiday season and in light of the uptick in criminal activity.”